US Patent 7975927 Electronic transaction card

An electronic transaction card such as a gift card includes a card member having a front surface and a rear surface. Sandwiched between the front and rear surfaces is a microprocessor that is activated by a solar cell array positioned on the front surface of the card. The microprocessor is in communication with a multi-digit display and a text message display on the front surface of the card member. Whenever the card member is exposed to ambient light, the recipient's name, a prerecorded message and the remaining available balance of the card as previously recorded on the microprocessor automatically appear on the respective displays.